time clock

American  

noun

1. a clock with an attachment that may be manually activated to stamp or otherwise record the exact time on a card or tape, used to keep a record of the time of something, as of the arrival and departure of employees.

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time clock British  

noun

1. a clock which records, by punching or stamping cards inserted into it, the time of arrival or departure of people, such as employees in a factory

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Etymology

Origin of time clock

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

Generally speaking, the twice-a-year daylight saving time clock changes are unpopular.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2026

New mini airport lounges have craft cocktails and mocktails, nice food offerings and a time clock.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

Once it was discovered that most, if not all, of the victims were Vietnamese, a clock showing the time in Vietnam was put up alongside the UK time clock.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2023

“The man operated on a different time clock than really anyone. You give him space, and he does what he does.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2023

This windowless little room, which also houses the time clock for the entire hotel, is where we stash our bags and civilian clothes and take our half-hour meal breaks.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich